In the run-up to the “grand final’, England took the bronze at the expense of India, in a downright chaotic final phase.
South Africa – United States 3-2
‘7 1-0 Wood
’12 2-0 Du Toit (sc)
’33 3-0 Le Roux
’38 3-1 Varney
’51 3-2 Tamer
South Africa made it itself early in the day still quite difficult against the US. The home team took a comfortable 3-0 lead just after the break, but saw the Americans come very close. The final offensive finally went off without a hitch, so that South Africa finished the tournament in seventh place. America, the number two in the group of Orange, will enter the books as number eight.
South Korea – Argentina 0-10
’12 0-1 Rouger
’17 0-2 Cairo
’30 0-3 Pagella
’38 0-4 Santamarina
’43 0-5 Cerundolo
’43 0-6 Andrade (sc)
’51 0 -7 Pacheco
’52 0-8 Bruggesser
’55 0-9 Santamarina
’55 0-10 Manuele
Argentina shot again on the final day and reached double digits against South Korea. The damage was not too bad before half time, when Las Leoncitas led 3-0. Then the Argentines went wild. Within twelve minutes the score rose from 4-0 to 10-0. And that while a few days earlier, in the group stage, it only became 2-0 for the South America. Despite that gigantic victory, Argentina will return home with a bad feeling. The dethroned title holder can be anything but satisfied with the mediocre fifth place.
India – England 2-2 (*England win after shoot-outs)
’18 0-1 Giglio
’21 1-1 Khan
’47 2-1 Khan
’58 2-2 Swain
It was a bizarre battle for the bronze. Not because of England’s late equalizer, but because of a very remarkable shoot-out. India, which had missed its first two shoot-outs, lined up for try three. It was honked. Much too early, India thought. Referee Lisette Baljon checked it with the race management, who stood firm. England immediately scored the winner. India national coach Erik Wonink announced immediately after the game that his team would protest against the result. The bronze battle may therefore still have a tail.
